Portable luncheon cabinet



Nov. 5, 1935. 1.. E. COLROSS PORTABLE LUNCHEON CABINET Filed Aug; 10, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet l Patented Nov. 5, 1935 PORTABLE LUNCHEON CABINET Louisa E. Colross, New York, N. Y.

Application August 10, 1934, Serial No. 739,210

12 Claims.

This invention relates to portable receptacle devices, and has particular reference to cabinets such as are adapted for use as portable luncheonettes for camping purposes and the like.

One object of the invention is to provide a device of the character described having improved means whereby the same can be closed up substantially completely to form a box like structure, and closure portions opened up to provide elements for a table top and having an enlarged adequate supporting base provided in part by companion elements obtained on opening up the device.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a device of the nature set forth having compartments and a leaf foldable in an improved manner so that in one position it functions as a closure wall, and in a second position as a table top, and in a third position is collapsed to afford convenient access to the compartments thereunder, without obstructing the latter.

Another object of the invention is to furnish a device of the class alluded to having shelf elements and a compartment unit arranged for movement to occupy substantially the same space at different times, whereby the utility of the device is greatly increased.

Another object of the invention is to construct a device of the type mentioned having compartments located in a main and in an auxiliary casing within the main casing, and the auxiliary compartment being movable in the manner and for the purpose specified to vary the interrelation of the compartments, and/or being removable and adapted for use externally and independently of the main casing.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the character described having improved association of main and auxiliary casings 40 such that leaves foldable over the latter can be supported by the auxiliary compartment in table top forming position, avoiding the necessity for the use of brackets, and the like, and affording an inexpensive compact structure of superior 45 strength.

A further object of the invention is to furnish a device of the nature set forth having relatively few and simple parts, and which is inexpensive to manufacture, convenient and rapid in use, 50 neat and compact, light in weight, durable, reliable and efiicient in use.

Other objects of the invention and advantages thereof will become apparent as the specification proceeds.

With the aforesaid objects in view, the invenbodying the invention with parts removed to 10 show the construction.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged side View of the device in open position.

Fig. 3 is a view in front elevation thereof.

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional View taken on line is 4-4 of Fig. 3. V

Fig. 5 is a view in vertical section taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but showing a modification of the invention.

Fig. 7 is a view in front elevation on a reduced scale of the modification.

Fig. 8 is a, top plan view of the removable auxiliary casing. I g I Fig. 9 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of 25 the top wall of the main casing.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary View in vertical elevation showing a modified side portion of the device including a bracing or looking arrangement.

Fig. 11 is a view in vertical section taken on so the line H H of Fig. 10. p

The advantages of the invention as here outlined are best realized when all of its features and instrumentalities are combined in one and the same structure, but, useful devices. may be produced embodying less than the whole.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art to which the invention appertains, that the same may be incorporated in several different constructions. The accompanying drawings, there- 4.0 fore, are submitted merely as showing the preferred exemplification of the invention. Y

Referring in detail to the drawings, J0 denotes a device embodying the invention. The same may include a generally rectangular main casing ll having top and bottom walls I2; l3, end walls l4, l5 and sidewalls I6, H. The top, bottom and end walls may be permanently rigidly secured together, while the side walls are movable. Desirably the side wall It includes an upper section or leaf [8 and a plurality of lower sections I9. The side wall I! includes an upper section comprising parts or leaves 2p, 2|. and a plurality of lower sections [9.

The sections I 8 and 20 may be hingedly nected to the top wall |2 of the main casing II. In order to permit these sections to swing through an arc of maximum radius and to overlie the top wall l2, if necessary, I have provided an improved arrangement whereby conventional hinges 22 may be used. Thus the top wall l2 may be of greater width than the end walls l4, l5 and may have its laterally projecting longitudinal edges beveled downwardly and inwardly as shown at 23. Likewise the adjacent edges of sections l8 and 20 may be reversely beveled as shown at 24. The bevels 23, 24 may snugly fit in the closed position of the sections as shown in Fig. 1, and may lie at right angles to each other in the horizontal position of the sections as shown in Fig. 2. At any rate, either section can be swung over to rest on the top wall l2. The hinges 22 may have their opposite portions or leaves connected to the corresponding adjacent bevels.

The section or leaf 2| is swingably connected to the lower edge of the leaf 20 as by hinges 25 applied to the underside of the leaves, so that the leaf 2| can swing only clockwise from the horizontal position shown in Fig.2. Hence on thus swinging the leaf 2|, the latter will lie flatwise along the leaf 20, and both leaves can then be swung as a unit shown in dot-dash lines over on the top wall l2, the leaf 2| overlying the leaf 20. In this manner, access to the interior of the main casing is readily had, without obstruction by either of the leaves 20 or 2|.

To support the sections I8, 20 and 2| in horizontal table forming position in the plane of the top wall l2, suitable brackets, such as arms 26 may be provided. The latter may be swingably mounted on the main casing, as by means of hinges 21 interconnecting the ends of the arms with adjacent edge portions of the end walls l4,

. l5. The mounting of the arms 26 is such that 4 walls, a strong and reliable mounting for the arms is afforded.

The lower sections l'9 are all of desirably equal size and may be swingably mounted on the easing as by hinges 28 for movement outward of the casing H as shown in Fig. 2.. The sections |9 may have their lower edge portions 29 lying in the same plane or in the plane of the bottom wall l3, whereby to afford an enlarged base for adequately and reliably supporting the device, as on relatively rough ground.

It will now be seen that on folding the several sections |8, |9, 2Q and 2| to closed position as in Fig.- 1; these sections lie in planes at theflsides of the cabinet and afford-a substantially uniform closure therefor, with the'sections desirably .directly interfitting' inx-mutuall-y bracing :edge to edge contact, sothat the side walls are each relativelycontinuous inv extent. 'Inthis man-ner'a neat and compact structure of comparativelylittle weight-is provided.

The casing may have a suitable cross reenforcement such as a horizontal partition 30, rigidly -connected to the end walls |4, Hi and being of a width substantially equal to that of the Other cross reenforcement for the casing may be provided to be effective in the closed position of the casing and also desirably to function as a locking means for the closure sections above mentioned. For example, as shown in Figs. 5 and 11, sections I9a, corresponding to sections I9, may be provided with means 3| for releasably engaging adjacent sections l8 and 2| to prevent relative movement therebetween along the planes of said sections. Thus the means 3| may 10 include projections 32 secured to the individual sections I90. and engageable with coacting means such as the recess 33 in the adjacent part of the upper side wall section 34 which represents sections l8 and 2|. Each projection may be in the nature of a leaf spring affixed to the section |9a at '35 and having an upper curved resilient portion or head 36 engageable in the recess or cut out 33, the latter having a constricted lower entrance '31. In operation, when the sections are swung into closed position, the heads 36 are resiliently pressed into the recess 33, or the heads are manually pressed together to enter said recess. The latter is strongly engaged by the expanding tendency of the heads 36, whereby an efiective resilient lock is obtained, without any laterally projecting part. This look also aids in taking up diagonal strains on the casing The lock may also exert a vertical pull between the upper and lower sections 34 and |9a. 3.

compartments. Thus the casing 4| may consist 4c;

of a relatively rigid box like rectangular structure, that is desirably open at the front and which may be open or closed at the back, ac-

- cording to its required strength. This casing may have a plurality of reenforcements or horizontal partitions 42 rigidly connected to the end walls 43 thereof, and being between the upper and lower walls 44, 45 of the unit. These partitions afford compartments for receiving slidable drawers 46 for containing different articles. The unit 6.0 4| may thus be designated a partitioned or compartment unit, and being spaced from the end walls l4, l5, may provide side compartments 41, .48 therewith. The compartment 41 may be used to contain plates and the like, while the compartment 48 may contain a thermos bottle secured by any conventional elastic clamp 49 aflixed to wall l5.

Desirably the unit 4| is removable so that it can be taken out and placed on the table, or suspended on a suitable wall, and hence is usable independently of the device l0.

When the unit 5.5 is removed, the space thereby provided may be occupied by other means in the casing movable into supporting position. Thus one or more shelves 5!! are swingably mounted on rods 5| that may have their ends suitably secured to the end walls l4, l5. The unit 4| is sufficiently narrow to afford space for infolding the arms 25, as shown in Fig. 5, and the shelves are gravitationally downwardly folded above each other in a plane parallel to and alongside of the unit :t l, to occupy the space in line with one of the folded set of arms 26'.

When the unit "i! is removed, the shelves may be '26 swung into horizontal position, and releasably thus retained by removable pins or the like 52 inserted into holes in the end wall M in a well known matter. While the shelves may extend the full length of the casing H, they may terminate in spaced relation to the wall l5 so that the compartment 48 is always clear.

It will be seen that the unit 4| affords asupport for the top wall I2 by directly underlying the same. Said unit may be slidable lengthwise to vary the sizes of the compartments 41, 48, and maybe slidably removably retained in any suitable manner or by means hereinafter described.

In Figs. 6 to 9 is shown a modification of the invention which may be generally the same as that herein before described and may include the means 3!, except that the arms 26 are omitted and the unit 41a corresponding to 4|, may be used to support the upper closure sections in table forming position. Thus the top wall 440 corresponding to 4|, may be used to support the upper closure sections in table forming position. Thus the top wall 44a of said unit may have a central upward projecting hook means 54 whereby the removed unit can be suspended, and the top wall l2a of the main casing may have on its underside a plurality of intersecting grooves 55, 56 along which the hook means is movable. The hook may be inserted into and removed from the narrow groove 55, and may be rotated at the intersection of the grooves by turning the unit 41a, and thehook may be slid along the wider groove 56 by sliding the unit Ma. The hinge 25 is replaced by a hinge 51 on the outer or upper face of. sections 20a. and Zia.

In use, the unit 4la is swung to extend at right angles to the casing ll so as to project at opposite sides thereof to afford a strong support for the sections I8, 2012, 2Ia, the hinge 51 supporting the section Zla. horizontally. At the same time the sections 200, and Zia are foldable over wall I21; as shown in Fig. 2. In this modification, the shelves 5!! may be omitted or removed as by springing the rods 5| out of holes 5 la therefor in the end walls I4, l5 when the unit is to be swung.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications may be made in the device as shown in the drawings, and that the same is submitted in an illustrative and not in a limiting sense, the scope of the invention being defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A device including a casing having a top and end walls, and a side closure wall for the casing, and a support for the casing including a bottom wall for the casing, the side closure wall including an upper section and a plurality of lower sections, the upper section being mounted to swing upwardly into the plane of the casing top to form a table extension for the latter, the lower sections being hingedly swingable horizontally outward away from each other so as to be adapted to be maintained generally parallel to the planes of the casing end walls, said lower sections having their lower portions lying in the horizontal plane of said casing support, whereby the said lower sections are adapted to rest on the ground to provide an enlarged support for the casing, and the different sections in the closed position of the side closure substantially interfitting to constitute a relatively uniform wall for said casing.

2. A camping cabinet including a casing having top and bottom, side and end walls, each of the side walls having an upper section and a pluable outward into open position and having bot- 5 tom portions adapted to rest on the ground, so

I that the casing is provided with a large supporting base when the casing is opened, and the different sections of each side wall being reversibly movable to lie substantially in a plane for- 10 closing the casing.

3. A camping cabinet including a casing having a side wall, the latter including upper and lower sections, the upper section being hinged-i ly connected to the top wall for upward move- 15 ment into the plane thereof to form a table extension, means for releasably supporting said section in the table extension forming position, the lower section being hingedly connected to an end wall of the casing so as to be outwardly 20 swingable and having the bottom edge of the lower section in the plane of the bottom wall of the casing, whereby the said lower edge and said bottom are adapted to rest on the ground for supporting the cabinet in the outwardly swung position of said lower section, and the latter and the upper section lying substantially in a plane in the closed position thereof to form a closure for the casing.

4. A device including a casing having com- 30 partments, a partitioned unit therein providing other compartments in relatively close association with the first mentioned compartments so that the device constitutes a cabinet, said unit being slidably removably received in the casing, 35 said unit having hook means for carrying the unit in the removed position thereof, and said casing having means slidably engaging the hook means for limiting relative movement between said unit and said casing.

5. A device including a main casing, a partitioned receptacle forming an auxiliary casing, the latter being of substantially smaller size than the main casing and being positioned in the main casing, and means for releasably retaining and guiding the auxiliary casing for movement along the main casing, said means including a hook means affixed to the auxiliary casing for supporting the same in removed position, and said main casing having means including a plurality of intersecting grooves for sliding engagement with the hook means.

6. A device including a main casing having a shelf, means for supporting said shelf including an element for swingably mounting the shelf for movement from a horizontal into a vertical plane, an auxiliary casing in the main casing, and means for slidably removably mounting the auxiliary casing to occupy part of the space occupied by the shelf in the horizontal position thereof.

'7. A device including a main casing, an auxiliary casing removably positioned therein, a plurality of shelf elements pivotally mounted on the main casing at one edge of each element, said elements depending in a common vertical plane from said pivotalmounting and said plane being alongside of the auxiliary casing, said elements being swingable into individual horizontal planes in the main casing upon removal of the auxiliary casing, and means for releasably maintaining said elements in said horizontal planes.

8. A device including a main casing having a compartment, said main casing having a leaf connected thereto for swinging upward to lie substantially in the plane of the casing top, an aux- 75 iliary casing in the main casing, said auxiliary casing being normally out of the path of movement of said leaf, and means mounting the auxiliary casing in the main casing for movement thereof about a vertical axis so that a portion of the auxiliary casing projects from the main casing into the path of the leaf so as to underlie and support the leaf in said plane.

9. A device including a relatively narrow upright main casing, the latter having side walls including leaves hingedly connected to the casing top so as to be swingable downward to close the casing and upward to lie in the plane of the top wall of the casing, an auxiliary rectangular casing extending along and mounted in the main casing so as to be wholly enclosed therein, said auxiliary casing being swingable about a vertical axis so as to lie transverse to the plane of the main casing and to project from opposite sides of the latter to support the leaves in the upwardly swung position thereof.

10. A device including a casing having compartments, said casing having a side wall, the latter including an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being hingedly connected to the casing top, the lower portion being hingedly connected at its upper edge to the lower edge of the upper portion, said portions being upwardly swingable to lie edge to edge in the plane of the top wall of the casing, and said hinge connections being reversibly movable so that the different portions are swingable to overlie each other over the casing top wall, whereby access can be had to said compartments.

11. A device including a casing, said casing having a top and a side wall, the latter including a leaf, the leaf and the top wall having beveled edges adapted to lie at right angles to each other, hinges lying along said beveled edges for interconnecting the top wall and the leaf so that the latter is swingable upward to lie in one position in the plane of the top wall and in another position to overlie said top wall, and a. second leaf forming a part of the side wall and being hingedly connected to the first mentioned leaf at its lower edge so as to be adapted in one position to lie in the plane of the first mentioned leaf and in another position to overlie the same in reversely folded relation with respect to the top wall.

plurality of upper receptacles and a plurality of lower receptacles providing a compartment therebetween, an auxiliary casing in said compartment having other receptacles, said auxiliary casing being spaced from the end walls of the main casing to provide side compartments, and said auxiliary casing being movable along the main casing to vary the sizes of the side compartments.

LOUISA E. COLROSS.

12. A device including a. main casing having a 

